Geek The Library

Submitted by rummykhan on Tue, 04/03/2012 - 08:00

April is Geek the Library month at the Missouri River Regional Library and marks the beginning of a year-long campaign. In this campaign, the word “geek” is used as a verb with the meaning: To love, to enjoy, to have an intense passion for. To express an interest in. To possess a large amount of knowledge in. “Whatever you geek, the Missouri River Regional Library supports you,” said Helen Rigdon, MRRL director. “That’s the message we want to send through this campaign."

Developed through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this national campaign is an effort to promote awareness of public libraries. MRRL joins hundreds of libraries across the country who are asking patrons the same question: “What do you geek?” In 2011, more than 300,000 people made use of the Missouri River Regional Library’s main branch, Osage County branch and bookmobile. To coincide with National Library Week, Jefferson City Mayor Eric Struemph and the Jefferson City Council have proclaimed the week of April 8 to 14, National Library Week in Jefferson City.

“The Missouri River Regional Library is a cultural hub that provides its patrons with lectures, art exhibits, poetry readings and more – all free of charge,” the Proclamation reads.

As part of the week-long celebration, MRRL will hold Patron Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. There will be a variety of activities for the whole family including free hot dogs, beverages and cake.

“We hope all of our regular patrons will come out and enjoy the day,” Rigdon said. “It’s also a great opportunity for those who haven’t been to the library lately, or at all, to drop by and see all that we have to offer. We want to know what you geek.”